Imagine counting down to the new year while honoring our brave troops overseas and doing it all before midnight.

Seem impossible?

Not for a group of spunky seniors in Panama City, Fla. who rang in the new year with party hats and noisemakers at 3 p.m. to wish several thankful troops in Iraq a happy new year, all thanks to the help of some volunteers at Tyndall Air Force Base.

"Iraq is nine hours ahead of us, so we chose to celebrate at 3 o'clock in the afternoon so we could actually wish our troops a happy new year from there," Jerome Brundage, the resident's activities director, said.

"I always stay up to midnight but this suits me better," resident Marion Crabtree said. "About 50 of these residents contributed with thank you cards and donations that will impact soldiers abroad."

"It made them feel like they were part of doing something very special for the soldiers who are over there," she added "I was happy for the opportunity."

The residents collected about $70 toward phone cards for the servicement - a gift of sacrifice since many of these seniors receive only $50 a month. Tthe cards and thank-you notes will be delivered overseas next week.